INDIANAPOLIS— In an effort to combat child abuse in Indiana, a new law authored by State Senator Frank Mrvan (D-Hammond) was approved during this past legislative session and became effective July 1, 2013. Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 142 extends the length of time a victim of child sex abuse may bring charges against an offender.

Previously, an individual filing a civil suit for such abuse was subject to the same time constraints as someone filing for other damages, such as an auto accident. Under the new law, a victim has until the longer of either seven years after the offense or four years after the victim leaves the care of the offender. Sen. Mrvan noted that giving these individuals more time to file suits for these offenses gives them the chance to mature, leave the dependency of the offender and find their voice in order to air their grievances.

Other new laws that Sen. Mrvan guided through the legislative process include: SEA 162 increasing transparency for those corporations that receive state incentive funds; SEA 207 amending a 2011 law that interrupted the schooling of about 200 Hoosier college students born outside of the United States; SEA 177 providing returning veterans with in-state tuition at Indiana public universities after completion of their military service; SEA 290 allowing veterans with previous military medical training to become certified as emergency medical technicians (EMTs); and SEA 564 creating a state preference with Indiana veteran owned small businesses (VOSB) for state contracts.

Mrvan represents Indiana Senate District 1 which includes portions of Lake County. District 1 communities include Hammond, Munster, Highland, Dyer, Schererville and Griffith as well as two precincts in Crown Point. For more information on Sen. Mrvan his legislative agenda or other State Senate business call 1-800-382-9467 or visit www.IN.gov/S1.

After HoursAlerts and NotificationAnnouncementsCelebrationsDeadlinesFairs and ExhibitionsHoosier HistoryInitiativesKids and FamiliesLectures and DiscussionsMedia AdvisoryHearingsOral ArgumentsPerformancesPublic SafetyMeetingsSeasonal EventsSeminars/WorkshopsState HolidaysPublic Service Opportunities